Pest Advice Blog

Monthly Archives: August 2013

One of the most infamous of pests, the scorpion is one of the most difficult to eliminate. They spend most of their time tucked away in cracks or crevices and are even found in children’s sand boxes. Although scorpions are not aggressive hunters, their sting can be quite painful – and in the case of one species found in the U.S., it can sometimes be fatal. The most venomous scorpion in North America, Centriroides exilicauda, is commonly referred to as the Arizona bark scorpion. As one of the smaller species of scorpion, an adult male can grow up to eight centimeters long, yellow to yellow-brown in color, with a long slender tail. It is found throughout the desert Southwest including Arizona (where it was first discovered in Tempe in 1927), western New Mexico, northern Mexico, and the west bank of the Colorado River in California.

Altogether, more than 30 species of scorpions are found in the southern and western United States, including scorpions common to New Mexicans such as the striped scorpion and the Desert Hairy scorpion. While these non-threatening species can inflict a painful sting, serums are available to relieve the more severe symptoms.
Because scorpions normally move about on the tips of their eight legs, with their bodies seldom touching the surface, they are among the most difficult of pests to control,. As a result, many pesticides are not as effective, since most common pesticides depend on physical contact with the animal’s body. One effective way to eliminate them is to remove their food supply, but it can take time for that approach to work.

Scorpions feed on insects, so effective scorpion control is dependent on a more complete pest control program. Since they can survive for weeks without food, and will resort to cannibalism when there is no other source, one of the most effective ways to eliminate scorpions is to physically remove them, one by one, usually at night when they are active. Fortunately, their bodies glow under a black light, so they are relatively easy to spot in the dark.

By the time you see scorpions in the open, you probably already have a serious infestation. For that reason, homeowners should be alert to more subtle signs of scorpions, which can include the sudden, unexplained disappearance of other insects, or finding insect body parts piled neatly in remote corners.
Most of all, be advised that scorpions are sedentary and prefer the most humid available locations. Being aware of areas conducive to a scorpion infestation is also important in preventing them from getting comfortable. Such areas include:

Under Garbage cans

Organic matter in and around gardens and plant pots

Under and around rock beds

Untrimmed palm trees, since the fronds collect moisture and other insects

Old lumber or bricks

Decaying debris such as leaves or bark

Stored boxes

Water meter / irrigation boxes

Wall voids and conduits

Insect infested areas such as attics

About Scott Svenheim and Truly Nolen

Scott Svenheim, an expert for Truly Nolen of America and Associate Certified Entomologist, has 27 years of experience in the pest control industry. Scott brings an informative as well as unique and entertaining perspective to consumers’ pest problems in the 21st century. Founded in 1938, Tucson, Arizona-based Truly Nolen of America is the largest family owned pest control company in the United States. Truly Nolen has over 80 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. The company also has independently owned and operated franchises in an ever-growing number of territories including Kentucky, Georgia, New Jersey, Canada, Puerto Rico and 55 countries. For more information, please visit www.trulynolen.com.

Company Announces Expanding Services to Las Cruces

WHAT: Las Cruces residents now have nothing to fear when it comes to pests. Truly Nolen, the largest family-owned pest control company in America, will be ‘cutting the cheese’ as they welcome the addition of Las Cruces to their service area with a ribbon cutting Thursday, September 12.

“The entire team is looking forward to servicing the area with Truly advanced techniques and care,” said Omar Martinez, Truly Nolen branch manager. “We can’t wait to show the people of Las Cruces the quality of pest control Truly Nolen has to offer and let them know we’re here for them.”

At the company’s ribbon cutting, attendees can enjoy a mix and mingle, food and music, as well as giveaways from gift cards to a flat screen TV.

The company, which is celebrating 75 years of business this year, has more than 14 employees throughout the state of New Mexico and more than 1,000 employees nationwide. Areas now being serviced also include Anthony, Mesquite and Vado.

Subterranean termites take a big bite out of local homes

WHAT: The above photo taken last week depicts exactly what happens when a colony of subterranean termites makes a home out of your house. As roofs collapse, subterranean termites are creating havoc in other homes unbeknownst to their owners.

Why have subterranean termites arrived months ahead of schedule? And what can homeowners do to prepare and prevent?

Jeffery McChesney of Truly Nolen saw a 30 percent increase of these silent destroyers last winter and predicts this year to be even worse. The increase in rain has allowed soil to get saturated, creating the perfect moist conditions for termites to thrive.

Available for interviews upon request, Jeffery has these tips (and more):

Eliminate or reduce moisture in and around your home.

Maintain at least an 18-inch gap between your home and soil.

Trim hedges and other vegetation to prevent ventilation blockages.

WHERE: St. Petersburg area.

WHO: Scott Brody

WHEN: Subterranean termites swarming now, months earlier than normal.

WHY: Subterranean termites swarming now, months earlier than normal.

Termite damage is rarely covered by home insurance.

Subterranean termites are the most destructive species of termite.

An estimated $5 billion in termite-related property damage occurs every year in America.

Truly Nolen of Orlando Raises More Than $20,000 for American Heart Association

WHAT: At this year’s Orlando Heart Walk, participants will kick off their walk at the start line with a wave from the mouselimo and a brigade of mousecars. And once you’ve crossed the finish line, the Truly booth will be conducting giveaways, such as a one-year Four Season Pest Control service, and bug demos for the kids at heart.

Truly Nolen of Orlando has committed to giving back to the community in which they live and work. Participating for the third year in a row, the Truly Good Citizens team has raised more than $20,000 in donations for this year’s American Heart Association event and dedicated more than 300 hours of service throughout 2013.

The same ruthless exterminators that rid your home of pests are fighting back against cardiovascular diseases and stroke with a sponsorship of this year’s Orlando Heart Walk.